Jim Cramer

File:Jim Cramer on the Paris Agreement, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and more.webm

James Joseph Cramer (born February 10, 1955) is an American television personality, author, and former hedge fund manager. He is best known as the host of Mad Money on CNBC, a show that focuses on investment and speculation in publicly traded stocks.

Early Life and Education

Jim Cramer was born in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He attended Springfield Township High School and later enrolled at Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in government in 1977. During his time at Harvard, Cramer was the president and editor-in-chief of The Harvard Crimson.

After graduating from Harvard College, Cramer worked as a journalist for several publications, including The Tallahassee Democrat and Los Angeles Herald Examiner. He returned to Harvard to attend Harvard Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1984.

Career

Early Career

After law school, Cramer worked as a reporter for American Lawyer and later as a stockbroker at Goldman Sachs. His experience at Goldman Sachs led him to pursue a career in finance.

Hedge Fund Management

In 1987, Cramer founded Cramer & Co., a hedge fund that he managed until 2001. During his tenure, the fund had a reported annual return of 24% after all fees, and Cramer became known for his aggressive and sometimes controversial investment strategies.

Media Career

Cramer's media career began with his contributions to SmartMoney magazine and his co-founding of TheStreet.com, a financial news and services website. His writing and commentary on financial markets gained him a reputation as a knowledgeable and outspoken market analyst.

In 2005, Cramer became the host of Mad Money on CNBC, where he provides stock market advice and investment strategies to viewers. The show is known for Cramer's energetic and theatrical presentation style, as well as his use of sound effects and props to emphasize his points.

Publications

Jim Cramer is the author of several books on investing and personal finance, including:

• Jim Cramer's Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World
• Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich
• Jim Cramer's Get Rich Carefully

Criticism and Controversy

Cramer has faced criticism for his investment advice and the entertainment-focused format of Mad Money. Some critics argue that his recommendations can be overly speculative and may not be suitable for all investors. Despite this, Cramer maintains a significant following and continues to be a prominent figure in financial media.

Personal Life

Cramer is married to Lisa Cadette Detwiler, a real estate broker. He has two children from a previous marriage. Cramer is known for his philanthropic efforts, including support for educational and health-related causes.

Also see

• Mad Money
• CNBC
• TheStreet.com
• Hedge fund
• Stock market